Introduction to Ecology

A set of flashcards focused on core vocabulary related to the study of ecology, its concepts, and components.

Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Biotic Factors

Living components in an ecosystem, such as animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components in an ecosystem, such as water, air, soil, and sunlight.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species in a specific area.

Community

All populations of different species living in a specific area.

Ecosystem

A community of organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems; regions of Earth occupied by living organisms.

Ecological Interactions

The relationships and interdependencies between organisms and their environment.

Energy Flow

The transfer of energy through the food chain in an ecosystem.

Nutrient Cycling

The process of recycling nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to organisms and back.